THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (September 10, 2019) – Wataynikaneyap Power LP (“Wataynikaneyap Power”) is pleased to announce that it has awarded its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) contract to Valard LP (“Valard”), subject to financial close and notice to proceed.
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect remote First Nations communities to the Ontario power grid. The project will reinforce the existing transmission grid to Pickle Lake and will expand grid service north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake to ultimately connect 17 First Nations communities.
Valard was selected to design, procure materials and equipment for, and build the 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines that pertain to Phase 1 and 2 of the Project.
A formal announcement is expected once financial close is achieved.
About Wataynikaneyap Power
Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company, majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nation communities in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The 24 First Nation communities established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. To connect remote First Nations communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario. For further information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca
Media Contact(s)
Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer Services
FortisOntario Inc.
(905) 994-3637
Kristine.Carmichael@fortisontario.com